Composition comprising polymers having a star structure, the polymers, and their use

ABSTRACT

A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure is disclosed. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibers, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition, in particular a cosmetic composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer with a highly specific ordered structure. These compositions find a specific application in the field of caring for or making up keratinous fibres, in particular as a mascara composition for the eyelashes or for the hair.

[0002] It is common practice to produce mascara compositions comprising at least one wax. However, the wax is never used alone because make-up with such compositions proves to be very mediocre, leading to the formation, on the eyelashes, of a non-homogeneous film which is reflected by the formation of thin films which crack immediately after drying.

[0003] It is also known, for example according to Applications WO 96/36323 and WO 96/33690, to combine a wax and a film-forming polymer in a mascara compositiori. However, such a combination does not make it possible to give good curling to the eyelashes or to obtain a thick make-up on the eyelashes.

[0004] Mascara compositions comprising microdispersions of waxes in combination with film-forming polymers have also been provided, for example in Applications EP-A-557,196 and EP-A-639,371. However, such compositions do not make it possible to obtain a thick make-up on the eyelashes, these mascaras not having a high load.

[0005] The Inventor has found that, surprisingly and unexpectedly, the use of highly specific polymers exhibiting a specific ordered structure can make it possible to obtain a composition capable of being applied to keratinous fibres, in particular the eyelashes, which can make possible improved curling of the eyelashes, the curling furthermore being instantaneous and long-lasting.

[0006] Thus, a subject-matter of the present invention is a polymer with a “star” structure represented by the following formula (I):

A-[(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)]_(n)

[0007] in which:

[0008] A represents a polyfunctional centre, with a functionality of “n”, n being an integer greater than or equal to 2,

[0009] [(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)] represents a polymer chain, also known as a “branch”, composed of identical or different polymerized monomers Mi having a polymerization index pj, each branch being identical or different and being grafted covalently to the centre A;

[0010] i being greater than or equal to 1 and pj being greater than or equal to 2;

[0011] the polymer comprising one or more monomers Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomers Mk has a Tg of greater than or equal to approximately 10° C., preferably of greater than or equal to 15° C. and even better still of greater than or equal to 20° C.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, this or these monomers Mi being present, in the final polymer, in a minimum amount of approximately 45% by weight, preferably in an amount of between 55 and 99% by weight and even better still in an amount of 75-95% by weight with respect to the total weight of monomers.

[0013] Another subject-matter of the present invention is a polymer as described above further comprising one or more monomers Mj, the corresponding homopolymer of which exhibits a Tg of less than or equal to approximately 10C., preferably of less than or equal to 5° C. and even better still of less than or equal to 0° C.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, this or these monomers Mj are present in the final polymer in a maximum amount of approximately 55% by weight, preferably in an amount of between 1 and 45% by weight and even better still in an amount of 5-25% by weight with respect to the total weight of monomers.

[0015] Another subject-matter of the invention is a composition comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer as defined above.

[0016] Another subject-matter of the invention is a process for the cosmetic treatment of keratinous fibres, in particular the eyelashes and/or hair, characterized in that it comprises applying, to the latter, a cosmetic composition as defined above.

[0017] Another subject-matter of the invention is the use of at least one polymer as defined above in a cosmetic composition to be applied to the eyelashes, for allowing improved curling of the eyelashes to be obtained.

[0018] The compositions according to the invention exhibit a light texture and are very comfortable to wear throughout the day. They adhere well to the substrate to which they are applied.

[0019] They exhibit good resistance to water and can be easily removed, for example using a conventional make-up remover, in particular one with an oily base.

[0020] The composition according to the invention therefore comprises a polymer, the “star” structure of which can be illustrated, in a general way, by the following formula (I):

A-[(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)]_(n)

[0021] in which:

[0022] A represents a polyfunctional centre, with a functionality of “n”, n being an integer greater than or equal to 2, preferably of between 4 and 10,

[0023] [(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)] represents a polymeric chain, also known as a “branch”, composed of identical or different polymerized monomers Mi having a polymerization index pj, each branch being identical or different and being grafted covalently to the centre A;

[0024] i being greater than or equal to 1, preferably of between 2 and 10;

[0025] pj being greater than or equal to 2, preferably of between 10 and 20,000.

[0026] The polymer chains are preferably provided in the form of blocks with a molecular mass of greater than or equal to 500 which can range up to 2,000,000.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the polymer used in the context of the present invention can be obtained by controlled radical polymerization, also known as “living” radical polymerization. This technique makes it possible in particular to overcome the limitations inherent in conventional radical polymerization, that is to say that it makes it possible in particular to control the length of the chains of the polymer which is formed and therefore to obtain block structures.

[0028] The controlled radical polymerization makes it possible to reduce the reactions in which the growing radical species is deactivated, in particular the termination stage, which reactions, in conventional radical polymerization, interrupt the growth of the polymer chain in an irreversible and uncontrolled way.

[0029] In order to decrease the probability of termination reactions, provision has been made to block, in a temporary and reversible way, the growing radical species by forming so-called “dormant” active species with the aid of a bond of low dissociation energy.

[0030] In particular, mention may be made of the possibility of using bonds of C—ONR type (by reaction with a nitroxyl); this is illustrated in particular by the article “Synthesis of nitroxy-functionalized polybutadiene by anionic polymerization using a nitroxy-functionalized terminator”, published in Macromolecules, 1997, volume 30, pp. 4238-4242.

[0031] Mention may also be made of the possibility of using bonds of C-halide type (in the presence of metal/ligand complex). This is then described as atom transfer radical polymerization, also known under the abbreviation ATRP. This type of polymerization is reflected in control of the mass of the polymers which are formed and in a low polydispersity index by weight of the chains.

[0032] Atom transfer radical polymerization is generally carried out by polymerization:

[0033] of one or more radically polymerizable monomers, in the presence

[0034] of an initiator having at least one radically transferable atom or group,

[0035] of a compound comprising a transition metal capable of participating in a reduction stage with the initiator and a “dormant” polymer chain, and

[0036] of a ligand, which can be chosen from compounds comprising a nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), phosphorus (P) or sulphur (S) atom, which compounds are capable of coordinating via a σ bond to the compound comprising a transition metal, or from compounds comprising a carbon atom, which compounds are capable of coordinating via a π or σ bond to the compound comprising a transition metal, the formation of direct bonds between the compound comprising a transition metal and the polymer in the course of formation being avoided.

[0037] This process is illustrated in particular in Application WO97/18247, the teaching of which can be drawn upon by a person skilled in the art in preparing the polymers coming within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] The nature and the amount of the monomers, initiator(s), compound(s) comprising the transition metal and ligand(s) will be chosen by a person skilled in the art on the basis of his overall knowledge, according to the result desired.

[0039] In particular, the monomers “M” (Mi, Mk, and Mj) can be chosen, alone or as a mixture, from radically polymerizable compounds comprising ethylenic unsaturation corresponding to the formula:

[0040] in which R₁, R₂, R₃ and R₄ are, independently of one another, chosen from:

[0041] a hydrogen atom;

[0042] a halogen atom;

[0043] a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 20, preferably 1-6, more preferably 1-4, carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogens and/or one or more —OH radicals;

[0044] a linear or branched alkenyl or alkynyl radical having 2 to 10, preferably 2-6, more preferably 2-4, carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogens;

[0045] a cyclic hydrocarbonaceous (cycloalkyl) radical having 3 to 8 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogen, nitrogen, sulphur or oxygen atoms;

[0046] a radical chosen from CN, C(═Y)R⁵, C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷, YC(═Y)R⁵, cyclic NC(═Y)R⁵, SOR⁵, SO₂R⁵, OSO₂R⁵, NR⁸SO₂R⁵, PR⁵ ₂, P(═Y)R⁵ ₂, YPR⁵ ₂, YP(═Y)R⁵ ₂, NR⁸ ₂, which can be quaternized with an additional R⁸ group, aryl and heterocyclyl, with:

[0047] Y represents O, S or NR⁸ (preferably O),

[0048] R⁵ represents a linear or branched alkyl, alkylthio or alkoxy radical having 1-20 carbon atoms; an OH radical; an OM′ radical with M′=alkali metal; an aryloxy radical or a heterocyclyloxy radical;

[0049] R⁶ and R⁷ represent, independently of one another, H or a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-20 carbon atoms; it being given that R⁶ and R⁷ can be joined to form an alkylene group having 2-7, preferably 2-5, carbon atoms;

[0050] R⁸ represents H, a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-20 carbon atoms or an aryl radical;

[0051] a —COOR radical, in which R is a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1 to 20, preferably 1-6, carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogens;

[0052] a —CONHR′ radical, in which R′ is hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbonaceous radical having 1 to 20, preferably 1-6, carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogens, nitrogens and/or oxygens;

[0053] an —OCOR′ radical, in which R′ is hydrogen or a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbonaceous radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogens, nitrogens and/or oxygens;

[0054] a radical comprising at least one silicon atom and in particular radicals such as:

[0055] an —R-siloxane radical, a —CONHR-siloxane radical, a —COOR-siloxane radical or an —OCO—R-siloxane radical, in which radicals R is a linear or branched alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy, aryloxy or heterocycloxy radical having 1-20 carbon atoms.

[0056] The term “siloxane” is understood to mean a compound comprising (—SiR^(a)R^(b)O—)_(n) units, in which units R^(a) and R^(b) can represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen; a halogen; a saturated or unsaturated, linear or branched, hydrocarbonaceous radical having 1 to 36 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogens, nitrogens and/or oxygens; or a cyclic hydrocarbonaceous radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; n being greater than or equal to 1.

[0057] For the purpose of this invention, the term “independent,” when used to describe the relationship of radicals, atoms, substituents, functional groups, etc., means that each of the radicals, atoms, substituents, functional groups, etc. may be the same or different from the other, or some radicals, atoms, substituents functional groups, etc., may be the same while the others may be different.

[0058] Mention may in particular be made of polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMSs) comprising 1 to 200, preferably less than 100, repeat units.

[0059] Furthermore, R¹ and R³ can be connected to one another so as to form a ring of formula (CH₂)_(n) which can be substituted by one or more halogens and/or oxygens and/or nitrogens and/or by alkyl radicals having 1 to 6 carbon atoms.

[0060] The term “aryl” or “heterocyclyl” is understood to mean the definition commonly understood by a person skilled in the art and which may be illustrated by the prior art WO97/18247.

[0061] Preferably, the monomers M can be chosen from:

[0062] acrylic or methacrylic esters obtained from linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic alcohols and/or from aromatic alcohols, preferably C₁-C₂₀ alcohols, such as methyl (meth)acrylate, ethyl (meth)acrylate, propyl (meth)acrylate, butyl (meth)acrylate, isobutyl (meth)acrylate or tert-butyl (meth)acrylate;

[0063] C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates, such as 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylate or 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylate;

[0064] ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylates with a hydroxyl or ether end;

[0065] vinyl, allyl or methallyl esters obtained from linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ or cyclic C₁-C₆ aliphatic alcohols and/or from aromatic alcohols, preferably C₁-C₆ alcohols, such as vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate or vinyl tert-butylbenzoate;

[0066] N-vinylpyrrolidone; vinylcaprolactam; vinyl-N-alkylpyrroles having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; vinyloxazoles; vinylthiazoles; vinylpyrimidines; vinylimidazoles; and vinyl ketones;

[0067] (meth)acrylamides obtained from linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic amines and/or from aromatic amines, preferably C₁-C₂₀ amines, such as tert-butylacrylamide; and (meth)acrylamides, such as acrylamide, methacrytamide or di(C₁-C₄)alkyl(meth)acrylamides;

[0068] olefins, such as ethylene, propylene, styrene or substituted styrene;

[0069] fluorinated or perfluorinated acrylic or vinyl monomers, in particular (meth)acrylic esters with perfluoroalkyl units;

[0070] monomers comprising an amine functional group in the free or else partially or completely neutralized or else partially or completely quaternized form, such as dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethylmethacrylamide, vinylamine, vinylpyridine or diallyidimethylammonium chloride;

[0071] carboxybetaines or sulphobetaines obtained by partial or complete quaternization of monomers comprising ethylenic unsaturation comprising an amine functional group by sodium salts of carboxylic acids comprising a mobile halide (sodium chloroacetate, for example) or by cyclic sulphones (propane sulphone);

[0072] silicone-comprising (meth)acrylates or (meth)acrylamides, in particular (meth)acrylic esters comprising siloxane units;

[0073] their mixtures.

[0074] The particularly preferred monomers are chosen from:

[0075] (meth)acrylic esters obtained from linear or branched aliphatic alcohols, preferably C₁-C₂₀ alcohols;

[0076] C₁-C₂₀ (meth)acrylic esters comprising perfluoroalkyl units;

[0077] C₁-C₂₀ (meth)acrylic esters comprising siloxane units;

[0078] (meth)acrylamides obtained from linear, branched or cyclic aliphatic amines and/or from aromatic amines, preferably C₁-C₂₀ amines, such as tert-butylacrylamide; or (meth)acrylamides, such as acrylamide, methacrylamide or di(C₁-C₄)alkyl(meth)acrylamides;

[0079] vinyl, allyl or methallyl esters obtained from linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ or cyclic C₁-C₆ aliphatic alcohols;

[0080] vinylcaprolactam;

[0081] optionally substituted styrene;

[0082] their mixtures.

[0083] In the context of the present invention, the initiator can be any compound, in particular a molecular or polymeric compound, having at least two atoms and/or groups which are radically transferable by polymerization.

[0084] The initiator can in particular be an oligomer or a polymer capable of being obtained by radical polymerization, by polycondensation, by anionic or cationic polymerization or by ring opening.

[0085] The transferable atoms and/or groups can be situated at the ends of the polymer chain or along the backbone.

[0086] Mention may in particular be made of the compounds corresponding to one of the following formulae:

[0087] R¹¹CO—X

[0088] R¹¹ _(x)R¹² _(y)R¹³ _(z)C—(RX)_(t), in which x, y and z represent an integer ranging from 0 to 4, t an integer ranging from 1 to 4, and x+y+z=4−t;

[0089] R¹³ _(x)C₆—(RX)_(y) (saturated ring with 6 carbons), in which x represents an integer ranging from 7 to 11, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 5, and x+y=12;

[0090] R¹³ _(x)C₆—(RX)_(y) (unsaturated ring with 6 carbons), in which x represents an integer ranging from 0 to 5, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 6, and x+y=6;

[0091] -[—(R¹¹)(R¹²)(R¹³)C—(RX)—]_(n), in which n is greater than or equal to 1; cyclic or linear;

[0092] -[—(R¹²)_(x)C₆(RX)_(y)—R¹¹—]_(n), in which x represents an integer ranging from 0 to 6, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 6 and n is greater than or equal to 1, with x+y=4 or 6; cyclic or linear;

[0093] -[—(R¹²)_(x)C₆(RX)_(y)—R¹¹—]_(n), in which x represents an integer ranging from 0 to 12, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 12 and n is greater than or equal to 1, with x+y=10 or 12; cyclic or linear;

[0094] R¹¹R¹²R¹³Si—X

[0095] -[OSi(R¹¹)_(x)(RX)_(y)]_(n), cyclic or linear, in which x and y represent an integer ranging from 0 to 2 and n is greater than or equal to 1, with x+y=2;

[0096] R¹¹R¹²N—X

[0097] R¹¹N—X₂

[0098] (R¹¹)_(x)P(O)_(y)—X_(3−x) in which x and y represent integers ranging from 0 to 2 and x+y=5;

[0099] (R¹¹O)_(x)P(O)_(y)—X_(3−x) in which x and y represent integers ranging from 0 to 2 and x+y=5;

[0100] -[(R¹¹)_(t)N_(z)P(O)_(x)(O—RX)_(y)—]_(n), cyclic or linear, in which x represents an integer ranging from 0 to 4, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 5, z represents an integer ranging from 0 to 2, t represents an integer ranging from 0 to 3 and n is greater than or equal to 1;

[0101] in which:

[0102] R, R¹¹, R¹² and R¹³ represent, independently of one another, a hydrogen or halogen atom; a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-20, preferably 1-10 and more preferably 1-6 carbon atoms; a cycloalkyl radical having 3-8 carbon atoms; a —C(═Y)R⁵, —C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷ or —R⁸ ₃Si radical (see the definitions of R⁵ to R⁸ above); —COCl; —OH; —CN; an alkenyl or alkynyl radical having 2-20, preferably 2-6, carbon atoms; an oxiranyl or glycidyl radical or an alkylene or alkenylene radical substituted with an oxiranyl or a glycidyl; an aryl, heterocyclyl, aralkyl or aralkenyl radical; or an alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms in which all or part of the hydrogen atoms are substituted either by halogen atoms, such as fluorine, chlorine or bromine, or by an alkoxy group having 14 carbon atoms or by an aryl, heterocyclyl, —C(═Y)R⁵, —C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷, oxiranyl or glycidyl radical;

[0103] X represents a halogen atom, such as Cl, Br or I, or an —OR′, —SR, —SeR, —OC(═O)R′, —OP(═O)R′, —OP(═O)(OR′)₂, —OP(═O)OR′, —O—NR′₂, —S—C(═S)NR′₂, —CN, —NC, —SCN, —CNS, —OCN, —CNO and —N₃ radical, in which R′ represents an alkyl radical having 1-20 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, in particular fluorine and/or chlorine atoms, and R represents a linear or branched alkyl or aryl radical having 1-20, preferably 1-10, carbon atoms, it additionally being possible for the —NR′₂ group to represent a cyclic group, the two R′ groups being joined so as to form a 5-, 6- or 7-membered heterocycle.

[0104] Preferably, X represents a halogen atom and in particular a chlorine or bromine atom.

[0105] The initiator is preferably chosen from the compounds of formula

[0106] R¹³ _(x)C₆—(RX)_(y) (saturated ring with 6 carbons) in which x represents an integer ranging from 7 to 11, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 5 and x+y=12;

[0107] -[—(R¹²)_(x)C₆(RX)_(y)—R¹¹—]_(n), in which x represent an integer ranging from 0 to 6, y represents an integer ranging from 1 to 6 and n is greater than or equal to 1, with x+y=4 or 6; cyclic or linear; and

[0108] -[OSi(R¹¹)_(x)(RX)_(y)]_(n), cyclic or linear, in which x and y represent an integer ranging from 0 to 2 and n is greater than or equal to 1, with x+y=2.

[0109] Mention may in particular be made, as initiator, of the following compounds:

[0110] octa(2-isobutyrylbromide)octa(tert-butyl)calix(8)arene,

[0111] octa(2-propionylbromide)octa(tert-butyl)calix(8)arene, and

[0112] hexakis(α-bromomethyl)benzene.

[0113] The compound comprising a transition metal which is capable of participating in a reduction stage with the initiator and a “dormant” polymer chain can be chosen from those which correspond to the formula M^(n+)X′_(n), in which formula:

[0114] M can be chosen from Cu, Au, Ag, Hg, Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Co, Ir, Fe, Ru, Os, Re, Mn, Cr, Mo, W, V, Nb, Ta and Zn,

[0115] X′ can represent a halogen (in particular bromine or chlorine), OH, (O)_(½), an alkoxy radical having 1-6 carbon atoms, (SO₄)_(½), (PO₄)_(⅓), (HPO₄)_(½), (H₂PO₄), a triflate, hexafluorophosphate, methanesulphonate, arylsulphonate, SeR, CN, NC, SCN, CNS, OCN, CNO, N₃ and R′CO₂ radical, in which R represents a linear or branched alkyl or aryl radical having 1-20, preferably 1-10, carbon atoms and R′ represents H or a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms or an aryl radical which is optionally substituted by one or more halogen atoms, in particular fluorine and/or chlorine atoms;

[0116] n is the charge on the metal.

[0117] The choice is preferably made of M representing copper or ruthenium and X′ representing bromine or chlorine.

[0118] Mention may in particular be made of copper bromide.

[0119] Mention may be made, among the ligands capable of being used in the context of the present invention, of compounds comprising at least one nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and/or sulphur atom which are capable of coordinating via a σ bond to the compound comprising a transition metal.

[0120] Mention may also be made of compounds comprising at least two carbon atoms which are capable of coordinating via a π bond to the compound comprising a transition metal.

[0121] Mention may further be made of compounds comprising at least one carbon atom which are capable of coordinating via a σ bond to the compound comprising a transition metal but which do not form a carbon-carbon bond with the monomer during the polymerization, that is to say which do not participate in β-addition reactions with the monomers.

[0122] Mention may further be made of compounds capable of coordinating via μ or η bond to the compound comprising a transition metal.

[0123] Mention may in particular be made of the compounds of formula:

R⁹—Z—(R¹⁴Z)_(m)—R¹⁰

[0124] in which:

[0125] R⁹ and R¹⁰ are, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom; a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-20, preferably 1-10, carbon atoms; an aryl radical; a heterocyclyl radical; or an alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms which is substituted with an alkoxy radical having 1-6 carbon atoms or a dialkylamino radical having 14 carbon atoms or a —C(═Y)R⁵ or —C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷ and/or YC(═Y)R⁸ radical (see the definitions R⁵ to R⁸ and Y above); it being given that R⁹ and R¹⁰ can be joined so as to form a saturated or unsaturated ring;

[0126] R¹⁴ represents, independently of one another, a divalent group chosen from alkanediyls having 24 carbon atoms; alkenylenes having 24 carbon atoms; cycloalkanediyls having 3-8 carbon atoms; cycloalkenediyls having 3-8 carbon atoms; arenediyls and heterocyclylenes;

[0127] Z represents O, S, NR¹⁵ or PR¹⁵, with R¹⁵ representing H; a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-20 carbon atoms; an aryl radical; a heterocyclyl radical; or an alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms which is substituted with an alkoxy radical having 1-6 carbon atoms or a dialkylamino radical having 14 carbon atoms or a —C(═Y)R⁵ or —C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷ and/or YC(═Y)R⁸ radical (see the definitions of R⁵ to R⁸ and Y above);

[0128] m is between 0 and 6.

[0129] Mention may also be made of the compounds of formula:

R²⁰R²¹C[C(═Y)R⁵]

[0130] in which:

[0131] R²⁰ and R²¹ are, independently of one another, a hydrogen atom; a halogen atom; a linear or branched alkyl radical having 1-20, preferably 1-10, carbon atoms; an aryl radical; or a heterocyclyl radical; it being given that R²⁰ and R²¹ can be joined so as to form a saturated or unsaturated ring; it being given that, in addition, each radical can be substituted with an alkyl radical having 1-6 carbon atoms, an alkoxy radical having 1-6 carbon atoms or an aryl radical;

[0132] R⁵ and Y being defined above.

[0133] Mention may further be made, as ligands, of carbon monoxide; optionally substituted porphyrins and porphycenes; optionally substituted ethylenediamine and propylenediamine; polyamines with tertiary amines, such as pentamethyidiethylenetriamine; aminoalcohols, such as aminoethanol and aminopropanol, which are optionally substituted; glycols, such as ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which are optionally substituted; arenes, such as benzene, which are optionally substituted; optionally substituted cyclopentadiene; optionally substituted pyridines and bipyridines; acetonitrile; 1,10-phenanthroline; cryptands and crown ethers; or sparteine.

[0134] The preferred ligands are chosen in particular from pyridines and bipyridines which are optionally substituted by C₂-C₁₅ alkyl radicals, in particular C₆-C₁₂ radicals and especially the nonyl radical; or polyamines with tertiary amines, such as pentamethyidiethylenetriamine.

[0135] The polymerization of the monomers, in the presence of the initiator, of the compound comprising a transition metal and of the ligand which acts as activator, results in the production of a polymer having a star structure, which can be represented by the formula (I) given above, in which the monomers have polymerized to give “n” alike or different polymer chains all connected to a polyfunctional centre A which derives from the initiator.

[0136] It has been found that, in order to achieve the goal pursued by the present invention, that is to say to obtain a composition which does not exhibit the disadvantages of the prior art and which in particular allows sufficient curling of the eyelashes to be obtained, it is preferable to choose a polymer corresponding to the following criteria:

[0137] it preferably comprises one or more monomers Mi, the corresponding homopolymer of which exhibits a Tg of greater than or equal to approximately 10° C., preferably of greater than or equal to 15° C. and even better still of greater than or equal to 20° C.;

[0138] this or these monomers Mi being present in the final polymer in a minimum amount of approximately 45% by weight, preferably in an amount of between 55 and 99% by weight and even better still in an amount of 75-95% by weight with respect to the total weight of monomers.

[0139] The polymer may or may not comprise other monomers.

[0140] However, it is possible for it to additionally comprise one or more monomers Mj, the corresponding homopolymer of which exhibits a Tg of less than or equal to approximately 10° C., preferably of less than or equal to 5° C. and even better still of less than or equal to 0° C.

[0141] In this case, this or these monomers Mj are present in the final polymer in a maximum amount of approximately 55% by weight, preferably in an amount of between 1 and 45% by weight and even better still in an amount of 5-25% by weight with respect to the total weight of monomers.

[0142] The Tg (glass transition temperature) is measured by DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) according to ASTM Standard D3418-97.

[0143] The polymers as defined in the present invention are preferably be film-forming or can be rendered film-forming by addition of an additional agent which is able to form a film. The term “film-forming” is understood to mean that the polymer, after application to a substrate and evaporation of the solvent (aqueous or organic), results in a transparent and uncracked film.

[0144] Such an additional agent which is able to form a film can be chosen from any compound known to a person skilled in the art as being capable of fulfilling the desired role and can be chosen in particular from plasticizing agents and/or from coalescence agents. Mention may in particular be made, alone or as a mixture, of:

[0145] glycols and their derivatives, such as diethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol butyl ether, diethylene glycol hexyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol butyl ether or ethylene glycol hexyl ether;

[0146] glycerol esters, such as glycerol diacetate (diacetin) and glycerol triacetate (triacetin);

[0147] propylene glycol derivatives, in particular propylene glycol phenyl ether, propylene glycol diacetate, propylene glycol methyl ether, propylene glycol ethyl ether, propylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol methyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol ethyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether or tripropylene glycol methyl ether;

[0148] acid esters, in particular carboxylic acid esters, such as citrates, phthalates, adipates, carbonates, tartrates, phosphates or sebacates,

[0149] oxyethylenated derivatives, such as oxyethylenated oils, in particular vegetable oils, such as castor oil; or oxyethylenated silicone oils.

[0150] The amount of additional agent which is able to form a film can be chosen by a person skilled in the art on the basis of his overall knowledge so as to form a film having the desired mechanical properties while retaining, in the composition, cosmetically acceptable properties.

[0151] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a polymer, optionally in combination with additional agents which are able to form a film, is chosen which makes it possible to obtain a film having the following physicochemical characteristic:

[0152] a retraction of the isolated stratum corneum which is greater than approximately 1%, preferably greater than or equal to 1.1%, measured using a dermometer, at 30° C., under a relative humidity of 40%, for a concentration of 7% of polymer in a solvent such as isododecane or water.

[0153] The polymers as defined above can be present in the medium in a form dissolved or dispersed in an aqueous, organic or aqueous/organic phase, in particular an alcoholic or aqueous/alcoholic phase.

[0154] The polymers can be present in the composition according to the invention in an amount which can be easily determined by a person skilled in the art according to the application envisaged and which can be between 1-99% by weight, on a dry basis, with respect to the total weight of the composition, preferably between 1.5-50% by weight and preferably between 2-30% by weight.

[0155] The compositions, in particular cosmetic compositions, according to the, invention therefore additionally comprise a physiologically acceptable medium which can be chosen by a person skilled in the art according to the application envisaged.

[0156] This medium can comprise an aqueous phase and/or a fatty phase. It can also be anhydrous.

[0157] The aqueous phase can comprise water and/or a thermal water and/or a spring water and/or a mineral water and/or a floral water.

[0158] It can also comprise one or more cosmetically acceptable organic solvents or else a mixture of water and of one or more cosmetically acceptable organic solvents. Mention may be made, among these organic solvents, of:

[0159] C₁-C₄ alcohols, such as ethanol, ispropanol or n-propanol;

[0160] ethers, such as dimethoxyethane;

[0161] ketones, such as acetone or methyl ethyl ketone;

[0162] lower C₁-C₃ carboxylic acid esters, such as methyl acetate or ethyl acetate.

[0163] The fatty phase can comprise conventional volatile or non-volatile oils, gums and/or waxes of animal, vegetable, mineral or synthetic origin, alone or as mixtures, in particular:

[0164] linear, branched or cyclic, volatile or non-volatile, silicone oils which are optionally organomodified; phenylated silicones; or silicone resins and gums which are liquid at room temperature;

[0165] mineral oils, such as liquid paraffin and liquid petrolatum;

[0166] oils of animal origin, such as perhydrosqualene or lanolin;

[0167] oils of vegetable origin, such as liquid triglycerides, for example sunflower, maize, soybean, jojoba, gourd, grape seed, sesame, hazlenut, apricot, macadamia, avocado, sweet almond or castor oils, triglycerides of caprylic/capric acids, olive oil, groundnut oil, rapeseed oil or coconut oil;

[0168] synthetic oils, such as purcellin oil, isoparaffins, fatty alcohols or esters of fatty acids;

[0169] fluorinated and perfluorinated oils or fluorinated silicone oils;

[0170] waxes chosen from known animal, fossil, vegetable, mineral or synthetic waxes, such as paraffin waxes, polyethylene waxes, carnauba or candelilla waxes, beeswaxes, lanolin wax, chinese insect waxes, rice wax, ouricury wax, esparto wax, cork fibre wax, sugarcane wax, japan wax, sumach wax, montan wax, microcrystalline waxes, ozokerite, the waxes obtained by the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, silicone waxes or their mixtures.

[0171] The composition can additionally comprise at least one water-soluble dye and/or at least one pigment which are used conventionally in the field of cosmetics and make-up. The term “pigments” should be understood as meaning white or coloured and inorganic or organic particles which are insoluble in the medium and which are intended to colour and/or opacify the composition. The pigments can be present in the composition in a proportion of 0-20% by weight of the final composition and preferably in a proportion of 1-5%. They can be white or coloured, inorganic and/or organic and conventional or nanometric in size. Mention may be made, among inorganic pigments and nanopigments, of titanium, zirconium or cerium oxides, as well as zinc, iron or chromium oxides or ferric blue. Mention may be made, among organic pigments, of carbon black and barium, strontium, calcium or aluminium lakes. Mention may be made, among water-soluble dyes, of the dyes which are standard in the field under consideration, such as the disodium salt of ponceau, the disodium salt of alizarine, quinoline yellow, the trisodium salt of amaranth, the disodium salt of tartrazine, the monosodium salt of rhodamine, the disodium salt of fuchsine or xanthophyll.

[0172] Furthermore, the composition according to the invention can comprise adjuvants commonly used in cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions intended in particular for a topical application. In particular, these compositions can comprise:

[0173] cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical altive principles, such as softeners, antioxidants, opacifiers, emollients, hydroxy acids, antifoaming agents, moisturizers, vitamins, fragrances, preservatives, sequestering agents, UV screening agents, ceramides, agents for combating free radicals, bactericides, antidandruff agents, complexing agents, agents for combating hair loss, or antifungal or antiseptic agents;

[0174] fillers, pearlescent agents, lakes, thickeners, gelling agents, polymers, in particular fixing or conditioning polymers, propellants, basifying or acidifying agents, or plasticizers;

[0175] additional hydrophilic polymers, such as poly(vinyl alcohol)s and their copolymers, polysaccharides or cellulose polymers, or natural proteins or synthetic polypeptides;

[0176] film-forming polymers, in particular in aqueous dispersion;

[0177] surfactants, in particular anionic or non-ionic surfactants, which are optionally silicone surfactants.

[0178] Of course, a person skilled in the art will take care to choose this or these optional adjuvants and/or their amounts so that the advantageous properties of the composition according to the invention are not, or not substantially, detrimentally affected by the envisaged addition.

[0179] The compositions according to the invention can be provided in various forms and in particular in the form of oil-in-water, water-in-oil or multiple emulsions; of aqueous or oily dispersions or of dispersions in a solvent medium; of aqueous, aqueous/alcoholic or oily solutions or of solutions in a solvent medium; of aqueous or oily gels; or of microemulsions.

[0180] The compositions according to the invention find an application in particular as cosmetic compositions for caring for or making up keratinous fibres, in particular eyelashes and/or hair.

[0181] The invention is illustrated in more detail in the following examples.

[0182] A/Retraction Measurement Method

[0183] The principle includes measuring, before treatment and after treatment, the length of a test specimen of isolated stratum corneum and in determining the percentage of retraction of the test specimen.

[0184] Use is made of 1 cm×0.4 cm test specimens of stratum corneum with a thickness ranging from 10 to 20 μm positioned on an MTT 6.0 extensometer sold by the company Diastron.

[0185] The test specimen is placed between 2 jaws and then left for 12 hours in an atmosphere at 30° C. and 40% relative humidity.

[0186] The test specimen is tensioned at the rate of 2 mm/minute by a length of between 5 and 10% of the initial length in order to determine the length L₁ from which the test specimen begins to exert a force on the jaws detected by the device.

[0187] The test specimen is subsequently relaxed and then 2 mg of an aqueous composition comprising 7% by weight of polymer are applied to the stratum corneum. After complete evaporation of the composition, the test specimen is tensioned under the same conditions as those described above in order to also determine the length L₂ for the treated test specimen.

[0188] The percentage of retraction is determined by the ratio:

100×(L₂−L₁)/L₁.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of the Initiator

[0189] The initiator prepared was 5, 11, 17, 23, 29, 35, 41, 47-octa(2-propionylbromide)-49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56-octa(tert-butyl)calix(8)arene (M=2378 g).

[0190] The reactants used were as follows: 4-(tert-butyl)calix(8)arene (M = 1298 g), comprising 8   15 g phenol units (Aldrich) 2-bromopropionyl bromide of formula CH₃-CHBr-COBr 59.9 g triethylamine   28 g tetrahydrofuran (THF)  120 g

[0191] The 4-(t-butyl)calix(8)arene and the solvent THF were added to a round-bottomed flask equipped with a stirrer and a thermometer; the mixture was left stirring for 10 minutes at room temperature.

[0192] The triethylamine was subsequently added, which took approximately 15 minutes.

[0193] The 2-bromopropionyl bromide, dissolved beforehand in THF, was then added at a temperature of approximately 5° C., which took approximately 1 h 30.

[0194] The mixture was left stirring for at least 12 hours at 5° C. and then the temperature was allowed to gradually rise to room temperature.

[0195] The solution obtained was concentrated by evaporating the THF. A product was precipitated from a water/ice mixture, extraction was then carried out with ethyl ether and the extract was dried over magnesium sulphate.

[0196] The solution obtained was concentrated and a compound was precipitated from a methanol/ice (90/10) mixture in a compound/precipitant ratio of 1/5.

[0197] 23 g of compound were obtained, i.e., a yield of 85%, which compound existed in the form of a powder.

[0198] Characterization was carried out by NMR/GC or HPLC. The compound obtained exhibited values in accordance with those expected.

EXAMPLE 2 Preparation of an 8-branched Star Polymer, Each Branch of Which was a Block Copolymer

[0199] 1) First stage: preparation of a star polymer with 8 poly(isobutyl methacrylate) branches

[0200] The reactants used were as follows: monomer 1: isobutyl methacrylate (Tg = 53° C.)  105 g monomer 2: butyl acrylate (Tg = −50° C.)   15 g initiator (prepared according to Example 1) 1.19 g (corresponding to 4 × 10⁻³ mol of RBr) CuBr (corresponding to 4 × 10⁻³ mol) 0.57 g Bipyridine (corresponding to 8 × 10⁻³ mol) 1.25 g The monomers were distilled beforehand.

[0201] The reactants, except the monomers, were mixed in a sealed and flame-treated reactor comprising a nitrogen inlet and then the monomer 1 was added.

[0202] The reactor was heated under nitrogen to approximately 120° C. and reaction was then allowed to take place at 120° C. for 4 hours, the nitrogen inlet being disconnected.

[0203] 2) Second stage: formation of the second block at the end of each branch

[0204] The monomer 2 was then added and reaction was again allowed to take place at 120° C. for 4 hours.

[0205] After reaction, the reaction mixture was allowed to cool; a viscous green solution was obtained, which solution was dissolved in dichloromethane. The polymer solution was passed through neutral alumina and the clear solution obtained was precipitated from a methanol/water (80/20) mixture in a polymer/precipitant ratio of 1/5.

[0206] 95 g of polymer were obtained, i.e., a yield of 95%, which polymer existed in the form of a viscous product.

[0207] This polymer was a star polymer with 8 poly(isobutyl methacrylate) branches, each branch of which was a block copolymer: calix(poly(isobutyl methacrylate)-block-poly(butyl acrylate)).

[0208] Characterization was carried out by GC:THF linear polystyrene equivalent, light scattering detection: 304,000 g/mol (theoretical mass: approximately 240,000); polydispersity index: 1.38.

[0209] The polymer obtained exhibited values in accordance with those expected.

[0210] Retraction of the stratum corneum: 1.1%

EXAMPLE 3 Mascara

[0211] A waterproof mascara composition was prepared comprising: paraffin wax 13 g lanolin alcohol 16 g iron oxides  5 g montmorillonite  9 g starch  2 g polymer obtained according to Example 2, 10 g of the mixture as 20% by weight solution in isododecane Isoparaffin 45 g

[0212] A mascara was obtained which was easily applied and which made it possible to obtain satisfactory curling of the eyelashes. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A polymer having a star structure chosen from structures of formula (I): A-[(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)]_(n)   (I) in which: A is chosen from polyfunctional centers having a functionality n; [(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj); represents a branch comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi having a polymerization index pj; n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; i is greater than or equal to 1; pj is greater than or equal to 2; the at least two branches may be identical or different; and said at least two branches are grafted covalently to A; wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi comprised by at least one of said at least two branches is chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mk has a Tg of greater than or equal to 10° C.; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk is present in an amount greater than or equal to 45 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 2. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mk has a Tg of greater than or equal to 15° C.
 3. A polymer according to claim 2, wherein said Tg has a value of greater than or equal to 20° C.
 4. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomers Mk is present in an amount ranging from 55 to 99 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 5. A polymer according to claim 6, wherein said amount ranges from 75 to 95 percent.
 6. A polymer according to claim 1, further comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi contained by at least one of said at least two branches chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mj has a Tg of less than or equal to 10° C.; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric untis Mj is present in an amount less than or equal to 55 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 7. A polymer according to claim 6, wherein said homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mj has a Tg of less than or equal to 5° C.
 8. A polymer according to claim 7, wherein said Tg has a value of less than or equal to 0C.
 9. A polymer according to claim 6, wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 45 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 10. A polymer according to claim 9, wherein said amount ranges from 5 to 25 percent.
 11. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said at least one of said branches has a form of a block and a molecular mass ranging from 500 to 2,000,000 Daltons.
 12. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said polymerized monomeric unit Mk is chosen from radically polymerizable compounds containing an ethylenic unsaturation having a formula:

in which: R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are, each independently of one another, chosen from: a hydrogen atom; halogen atoms; linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom or at least one —OH radical; linear and branched alkenyl and alkynyl radicals having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom; cyclic hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom, sulphur atom, or oxygen atom; radicals chosen from CN, C(═Y)R⁵, C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷, YC(═Y)R⁵, cyclic NC(═Y)R⁵, SOR⁵, SO₂R⁵, OSO₂R⁵, NR⁸SO₂R⁵, PR⁵ ₂, P(═Y)R⁵ ₂, YPR⁵ ₂, YP(═Y)R⁵ ₂, NR⁸ ₂, NR⁸ ₃ ⁺, NR⁸ ₂(aryl)⁺, and NR⁸ ₂(heterocycyl)⁺, in which: Y is chosen from O, S, and NR⁸; R⁵ is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals, alkylthio radicals, and alkoxy radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; an OH radical; OM′ radicals in which M′ is chosen from alkali metals; aryloxy radicals; and heterocyclyloxy radical; R⁶ and R⁷, independently of one another, are chosen from a hydrogen atom, linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or R⁶ and R⁷ together form an alkylene group having from 2 to 7 carbon atoms; R⁸ is chosen from a hydrogen atom, linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and an aryl radical; COOR radicals, in which R is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom; CONHR′ radicals, in which R′ is chosen from hydrogen atoms and saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched, hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom or oxygen atom; OCOR″ radicals, in which R″ is chosen from hydrogen atoms and saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched, hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom, or oxygen atom; and radicals comprising at least one silicon atom; or R¹ and R³ radicals together form a ring having the formula (CH₂)_(n′) which can be substituted by at least one halogen atom, oxygen atom, nitrogen atom, or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in which n′ is an integer ranging from 3 to
 12. 13. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, each independently of one another, is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms which,are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom or at least one —OH radical.
 14. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, each independently of one another, is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom or at least one —OH radical.
 15. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, each independently of one another, is chosen from linear and branched alkenyl and alkynyl radicals having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom.
 16. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, each independently of one another, are chosen from linear and branched alkenyl and alkynyl radicals having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom.
 17. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, independently of one another, is chosen from C(═Y)R⁵, C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷, YC(═Y)R⁵, cyclic NC(═Y)R⁵, P(═Y)R⁵ ₂, YPR⁵ ₂, and YP(═Y)R⁵ ₂, in which Y is O.
 18. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, independently of one another, is chosen from C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷, in which R⁶ and R⁷ together form an alkylene group having from 2 to 5 carbon atoms.
 19. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, independently of one another, is chosen from COOR radicals, in which R is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom.
 20. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, independently of one another, is chosen from CONHR′ radicals, in which R′ is chosen from hydrogen atoms, saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched, hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom or oxygen atom.
 21. A polymer according to claim 12, wherein at least one of R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄, independently of one another, is chosen from radicals containing at least one silicon atom, wherein said radicals are chosen from —R-siloxane radicals, —CONHR-siloxane radicals, —COOR-siloxane radicals, and —OCO—R-siloxane radicals, in which R is chosen from linear and branched alkyl, alkylthio, alkoxy, aryloxy, and heterocycloxy radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms.
 22. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said polymerized monomeric unit Mk is chosen from: acrylic or methacrylic esters obtained from linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic alcohols and/or from aromatic alcohols; C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates; ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol (meth)acrylates with a hydroxyl or ether end; vinyl, allyl, methallyl esters obtained from linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic alcohols, cyclic C₁-C₆ aliphatic alcohols, and aromatic alcohols; N-vinylpyrrolidone; vinylcaprolactam; vinyl-N-alkylpyrroles having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms; vinyloxazoles; vinylthiazoles; vinylpyrimidines; vinylimidazoles; and vinyl ketones; (meth)acrylamides obtained from linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic amines or from aromatic amines; (meth)acrylamides chosen from acrylamide, methacrylamide and di(C₁-C₄)alkyl(meth)acrylamides; olefins; fluorinated or perfluorinated acrylic and vinyl monomers; monomers containing an amine functional group in the free or else partially or completely neutralized or else partially or completely quaternized form; carboxybetaines and sulphobetaines obtained by partial or complete quaternization of monomers containing at least one ethylenic unsaturation which contains an amine functional group, wherein said quaternization occurs by a sodium salt of a carboxylic acid which contains a mobile halide or by a cyclic sulphone; and silicone-containing (meth)acrylates and (meth)acrylamides.
 23. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said acrylic or methacrylic esters obtained from linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic alcohols and/or from aromatic alcohols are obtained from C₁-C₂₀ alcohols.
 24. A polymer according to claim 23, wherein said acrylic or methacrylic esters are chosen from methyl (meth)acrylates, ethyl (meth)acrylates, propyl (meth)acrylates, butyl (meth)acrylates, isobutyl (meth)acrylates, and tert-butyl (meth)acrylates.
 25. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said C₁-C₄ hydroxyalkyl (meth)acrylates are chosen from 2-hydroxyethyl (meth)acrylates and 2-hydroxypropyl (meth)acrylates.
 26. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said vinyl, allyl, and methallyl esters obtained from linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic alcohols, cyclic C₁-C₆ aliphatic alcohols, and aromatic alcohols are obtained from C₁-C₆ alcohols.
 27. A polymer according to claim 26, wherein said vinyl, allyl, and methallyl esters are chosen from vinyl acetate, vinyl propionate, vinyl benzoate, and vinyl tertbutylbenzoate.
 28. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said (meth)acrylamides obtained from linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic amines or from aromatic amines are obtained from C₁-C₂₀ amines.
 29. A polymer according to claim 28, wherein said (meth)acrylamides are chosen from tert-butylacrylamide.
 30. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said olefins are chosen from ethylene, propylene, styrene, and substituted styrene.
 31. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said fluorinated or perfluorinated acrylic and vinyl monomers are chosen from (meth)acrylic esters containing at least one perfluoroalkyl unit.
 32. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said monomers containing an amine functional group in the free or else partially or completely neutralized or else partially or completely quaternized form are chosen from dimethylaminoethyl (meth)acrylate, dimethylaminoethylmethacrylamide, vinylamine, vinylpyridine, and diallyldimethylammonium chloride.
 33. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said carboxybetaines and sulphobetaines obtained by partial or complete quaternization of monomers containing at least one ethylenic unsaturation which contains an amine functional group by a sodium salt of a carboxylic acid which contains a mobile halide or by a cyclic sulphone.
 34. A polymer according to claim 33, further wherein said sodium salt of the carboxylic acid is sodium chloroacetate.
 35. A polymer according to claim 33, further wherein said cyclic sulphone is propane sulphone.
 36. A polymer according to claim 22, wherein said silicone-containing (meth)acrylates and (meth)acrylamides are chosen from (meth)acrylic esters containing at least one siloxane unit.
 37. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said polymerized monomeric unit Mk is chosen from: (meth)acrylic esters obtained from linear or branched aliphatic alcohols; C₁-C₂₀ (meth)acrylic esters containing at least one perfluoroalkyl unit; C₁-C₂₀ (meth)acrylic esters containing at least one siloxane unit; (meth)acrylamides obtained from linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic amines and/or from aromatic amines; (meth)acrylamides chosen from acrylamides, di(C₁-C₄)alkyl(meth)acrylamides, and methacrylamides; vinyl, allyl, and methallyl esters obtained from linear or branched C₁-C₁₀ aliphatic alcohols and cyclic C₁-C₆ aliphatic alcohols; vinylcaprolactam; and styrene and substituted styrene.
 38. A polymer according to claim 37, wherein said (meth)acrylic esters obtained from linear or branched aliphatic alcohols are obtained from C₁-C₂₀ alcohols.
 39. A polymer according to claim 37, wherein said (meth)acrylamides are obtained from linear, branched, or cyclic aliphatic amines and/or from aromatic amines, and further wherein said aliphatic and/or aromatic amines are chosen from C₁-C₂₀ amines.
 40. A polymer according to claim 37, wherein said (meth)acrylamides are chosen from tert-butylacrylamide.
 41. A polymer according to claim 6, wherein said polymerized monomeric unit Mj is chosen from radically polymerizable compounds containing an ethylenic unsaturation having a formula:

in which: R₁, R₂, R₃, and R₄ are, each independently of one another, chosen from: a hydrogen atom; halogen atoms; linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom or at least one —OH radical; linear and branched alkenyl and alkynyl radicals having from 2 to 10 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom; cyclic hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 3 to 8 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom, sulphur atom, or oxygen atom; radicals chosen from CN, C(═Y)R⁵, C(═Y)NR⁶R⁷, YC(═Y)R⁵, cyclic NC(═Y)R⁵, SOR⁵, SO₂R⁵, OSO₂R⁵, NR⁸SO₂R⁵, PR⁵ ₂, P(═Y)R⁵ ₂, YPR⁵ ₂, YP(═Y)R⁵ ₂, NR⁸ ₂, NR⁸ ₃ ⁺, NR⁸ ₂(aryl)⁺, and NR⁸ ₂(heterocycyl)⁺, in which: Y is chosen from O, S, and NR⁸; R⁵ is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals, alkylthio radicals, and alkoxy radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; an OH radical; OM′ radicals in which M′ is chosen from alkali metals; aryloxy radicals; and heterocyclyloxy radical; R⁶ and R⁷, independently of one another, are chosen from a hydrogen atom, linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms; or R⁶ and R⁷ together form an alkylene group having from 2 to 7 carbon atoms; R⁸ is chosen from a hydrogen atom, linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms and an aryl radical; COOR radicals, in which R is chosen from linear and branched alkyl radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom; CONHR′ radicals, in which R′ is chosen from hydrogen atoms and saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched, hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom or oxygen atom; OCOR″ radicals, in which R″ is chosen from hydrogen atoms and saturated and unsaturated, linear and branched, hydrocarbonaceous radicals having from 1 to 20 carbon atoms which are optionally substituted by at least one halogen atom, nitrogen atom, or oxygen atom; and radicals comprising at least one silicon atom; or R¹ and R³ radicals together form a ring having the formula (CH₂)_(n′) which can be substituted by at least one halogen atom, oxygen atom, nitrogen atom, or an alkyl radical having from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, in which n′ is an integer ranging from 3 to
 12. 42. A polymer according to claim 1, wherein said polymer forms a film having a retraction of the isolated stratum corneum which is greater than or equal to 1 percent when measured using a dermometer, at 30° C., under a relative humidity of 40 percent, for a concentration of 7 percent of said polymer in a solvent.
 43. A polymer according to claim 42, wherein said retraction of the isolated stratum corneum is greater or equal to 1.1 percent.
 44. A polymer according to claim 42, wherein said solvent is isododecane or water.
 45. A composition, comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one polymer having a star structure chosen from structures of formula (I): A-[(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)]_(n)   (I) in which: A is chosen from polyfunctional centers having a functionality n; [(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)] represents a branch comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi having a polymerization index pj; n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; i is greater than or equal to 1; pj is greater than or equal to 2; the at least two branches may be identical or different; and said at least two branches are grafted covalently to A; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi comprised by at least one of said at least two branches is chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mk has a Tg of greater than or equal to 100° C.
 46. A composition according to claim 45, wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk is present in an amount greater than or equal to 45 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 47. A composition according to claim 45, further comprising at least, one polymerized monomeric unit Mi contained by at least one of said at least two branches chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj, which may be identical or different, wherein a homoolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mj has a Tg of less than or equal to 10° C.; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj is present in an amount less than or equal to 55 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 48. A composition according to claim 45, further comprising at least one agent which is able to form a film.
 49. A composition according to claim 48, wherein said at least one agent is chosen from plasticizing agents and coalescence agents.
 50. A composition according to claim 45, wherein said at least one polymer is present in an amount ranging from 1 to 99 percent by weight, on a dry basis, with respect to the total weight of said composition.
 51. A composition according to claim 50, wherein the range is from 1.5 to 50 percent by weight.
 52. A composition according to claim 51, wherein the range is from 2 to 30 percent by weight.
 53. A composition according to claim 45, wherein said at least one polymer is present in said physiologically acceptable medium containing at least one phase chosen from aqueous phases, organic phases, and aqueous/organic phases.
 54. A composition according to claim 53, wherein said at least one phase is chosen from alcoholic and aqueous/alcoholic phases.
 55. A composition according to claim 53, wherein said at least one polymer is dissolved or dispersed in said at least one phase.
 56. A composition according to claim 45, wherein said composition has a form chosen from oil-in-water emulsions or multiple emulsions; water-in-oil emulsions or multiple emulsions; aqueous dispersions; oily dispersions; dispersions in a solvent medium; aqueous solutions; aqueous/alcoholic solutions; oily solutions; solutions in a solvent medium; aqueous gels; oily gels; and microemulsions.
 57. A composition according to claim 45, wherein said composition has a form chosen from cosmetic compositions for caring for and/or making up keratinous fibers.
 58. A composition according to claim 57, wherein said keratinous fibers are chosen from eyelashes and hairs.
 59. A composition according to claim 57, wherein said keratinous fibers are human keratinous fibers.
 60. A composition according to claim 45, wherein said physiologically acceptable medium is chosen from cosmetically acceptable mediums and said composition is in a form chosen from cosmetic compositions.
 61. A process for treating a keratinous fibers, comprising applying to said keratinous fibers a composition, comprising, in an acceptable medium, at least one polymer having a star structure chosen from structures of formula (I): A-[(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)]_(n)   (I) in which: A is chosen from polyfunctional centers having a functionality n; [(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj) represents a branch comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi having a polymerization index pj; n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; i is greater than or equal to 1; pj is greater than or equal to 2; the at least two branches may be identical or different; and said at least two branches are grafted covalently to A; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi comprised by at least one of said at least two branches is chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mk has a Tg of greater than or equal to 10° C.
 62. A process according to claim 61, further comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi contained by at least one of said at least two branches chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mj has a Tg of less than or equal to 10° C.; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj is present in an amount less than or equal to 55 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 63. A process according to claim 61, wherein said keratinous fibers are chosen from eyelashes and hairs.
 64. A process according to claim 61, wherein said keratinous fibers are chosen from human keratinous fibers.
 65. A process for preparing a cosmetic composition, comprising introducing, in a cosmetically acceptable medium, at least one polymer in an amount effective for curling keratinous fibers, wherein said at least one polymer having a star structure chosen from structures of formula (I): A-[(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)]_(n)   (I) in which: A is chosen from polyfunctional centers having a functionality n; [(M1)_(p1)-(M2)_(p2). . . (Mi)_(pj)] represents a branch comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi having a polymerization index pj; n is an integer greater than or equal to 2; i is greater than or equal to 1; pj is greater than or equal to 2; the at least two branches may be identical or different; and said at least two branches are grafted covalently to A; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi comprised by at least one of said at least two branches is chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mk has a Tg of greater than or equal to 10° C.
 66. A process according to claim 65, wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mk is pressent in an amount greater than or equal to 45 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 67. A process according to claim 65, further comprising at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi contained by at least one of said at least two branches chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj, which may be identical or different, wherein a homopolymer formed by the corresponding polymerized monomeric units Mj has a Tg of less than or equal to 10° C.; and wherein said at least one polymerized monomeric unit Mi chosen from polymerized monomeric units Mj is present in an amount less than or equal to 55 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the polymerized monomeric units Mi.
 68. A process according to claim 65, wherein said keratinous fibers are eyelashes. 